Authorities in Cass County have released additional details about an accident that occurred Friday morning in a construction zone on Interstate 80 westbound near the Marne exit. According to a press release from Cass County Attorney Dan Feistner, the driver of a minivan – 33-year old Bruce S. Bingle, Jr., of Hamilton, OH, and his 29-year old wife, Brandy Bingle, also of Hamilton, OH, were injured when the 2005 Chevy Venture mini-van crashed into two unoccupied pickups (a 2014 Chev Silverado and a 2001 Ford F-250), that were parked in a construction zone. The State Patrol says Bruce Bingle did not merge to the left and continued into the construction area, hitting barrel barricades before crashing into the two parked pickups. Officials say he was wearing a seat belt, while his wife was not. The accident happened at around 7:19-a.m.

Feistner says the Iowa State Patrol arrived on scene shortly thereafter and found the couple outside the vehicle, both having sustained bodily injuries from the vehicle accident. Construction worker(s) were on scene and while rendering aid to Brandy Bingle, were informed by her, that her husband allegedly intentionally driven into the barricades and equipment in the construction zone in an apparent attempt to kill them both.

The full extent of the injuries to both individuals is unknown at this time, however Brandy Bingle appeared to have suffered broken bones, lacerations to the body and bruising. Bruce Bingle was first transported to Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic,  and became combative with law enforcement and medical staff during the transport and while at the hospital. A Cass County DRE Officer (drug recognition expert) arrived at CCMH and performed drug tests of the driver and obtained a urine sample for further testing.

Bruce S. Bingle, Jr. was transported by Life Flight to UNMC in Omaha, Nebraska. Brandy Bingle was transported by ambulance to UNMC in Omaha, Nebraska. The Iowa State Patrol later obtained a search warrant for the purposes of examining the vehicle for collision investigation. No criminal charges have been filed at this time. The matter remains under further investigation.

Marne, Atlantic and Walnut Fire and Rescue, Cass County Emergency Management, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and the Cass County Attorney all provided assistance to the Iowa State Patrol.